Finnbarra Dry

Irish cider. The first cider that comes to my mind is obviously mass-produced Magner’s Cider. However, another Irish cidery Finnbarra has been making efforts since 2010 to change this unfortunate association by producing real cider in Cork. Today’s cider review is on the Dry from Finnbarra, which was awarded Silver Award at the Killarney Beeriest in 2016.Company: Nohoval Brewing Company LimitedPlace of Origin: Nohoval, Kindle, County Cork, IrelandApples: made of two bittersweet apple varieties Michelin and Dabinett bittersweet along with two eating apples Jonagored and Elster grown in Laois and Waterford orchardsSweetness as per label: dryABV: 5.5%Package type: 500ml amber glass bottle with crown capRecommended type of glass: pint glass

Appearance: pours a crystal clear, light amber body with light orange hues. There is a white quickly disappearing head, which leaves a ring of foam around the inside of the glass. Light carbonation.

Aroma/Nose: the first sniff reveals apple juice with overripe apples. There is also a slightly dry, winey note. Interestingly, I can smell a raspberry followed by polyfloral honey as well. I feel strongly invited to take a taste!

Taste: despite the fact that this cider is characterized as dry it conveys a honey-like sweetness on the palate followed by light watery taste with light to moderate acidity. Then this turns into more fruity notes of ripe apples with a light raspberry hint. The aftertaste is dry with a light astringency and floral notes.

Overall: The incredibly pleasant aroma of the Dry invites to take a sip. However, to my disappointment, the scent is more appealing than the taste itself. The first sip is ok conveying many fruits and floral flavours, but with every further sip, you just get tired of the Dry. It’s a decent cider but it just doesn’t work for me. It promises more than gives. 3/6